从善如流
从善如流 (cóng shàn rú liú) literally means “follow good like flowing water” and expresses “readily accept good advice”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: cong shan ru liu, cong shan ru liu,从善如流 meaning, 从善如流 in english
Readily accept good advice
Pronunciation: cóng shàn rú liú Literal meaning: Follow good like flowing water
Origin & Usage
This one comes from the Zuo Zhuan, said of Luan Shu of Jin, who took good counsel the way water runs downhill — following (从) the good (善) as if (如) flowing (流), with no friction and no delay. What is praised is the absence of resistance: he did not have to be persuaded past his own position first. Somebody who adopts the better suggestion at once, without first defending the one they walked in with.
Examples
English: "She readily accepts good suggestions from her team."
Chinese: 她从善如流，乐于接受团队的好建议。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
循循善诱
xún xún shàn yòu
Draw a learner on step by step
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相敬如宾
xiāng jìng rú bīn
Treat each other with respect
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一见如故
yī jiàn rú gù
Instant connection
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深入浅出
shēn rù qiǎn chū
Explain profound ideas in simple terms
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一针见血
yī zhēn jiàn xiě
Hit the nail on the head; incisive
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一目了然
yī mù liǎo rán
Clear at a glance; obvious
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不求甚解
bù qiú shèn jiě
Content with superficial understanding
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诲人不倦
huì rén bù juàn
Teach with tireless patience
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 从善如流 mean in English?
从善如流 (cóng shàn rú liú) literally translates to “Follow good like flowing water” and is used to express “Readily accept good advice”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 从善如流 used?
Situation: She readily accepts good suggestions from her team.
What is the pinyin for 从善如流?
The pinyin pronunciation for 从善如流 is “cóng shàn rú liú”.